FSSAI will initiate actions against companies and FBOs selling products made of Hemp

FSSAI will initiate actions against companies and FBOs selling products made of Hemp

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has notified that action will be taken against the Companies and Food Business Operators (“FBO”) who are using FSSAI licence number on the label of the product made from Hemp and selling them as food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder.

Background:

FSSAI has received reports that products made from Hemp are being sold illegally by various companies with or without FSSAI license number under various brand names through E-Commerce platforms. Hemp is a product for which no standards have been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder. Since there is a lack of important data and information on the variety of plant that is to be used in the manufacturing process, a detailed risk assessment could not be carried out for the same. For this reason, the Scientific Committee at FSSAI has recommended not to consider hemp for standardization at this stage.

FSSAI has therefore ordered State Commissioners to keep a check on the sale of such products as food and to inspect the premises of FBOs and verify whether Hemp is being manufactured, stored or sold by such FBO and initiate appropriate action against the defaulting FBOs using FSSAI licence no. on the label of the product and selling them as food.

Notices are also to be given to E-Commerce businesses wherein these products are available and sold through their portal.